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BREAKING NEWS: Miami Dolphins release veteran DT Teair Tart
Who will step up and prove their worth on Miami’s defensive line?
In a move that may come as a surprise to many, the Miami Dolphins have agreed to part ways with veteran defensive tackle Teair Tart. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was the first to report the news. It was later confirmed by the Miami Dolphins.
Tart, 27, signed with the Dolphins on April 8th. Before his time in Miami, the former undrafted acorn out of Florida International played four years between the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans. Between the two, he would start 36 of 47 games, recording 79 tackles (49 solo), 2.5 sacks, one interception, seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
With Christian Wilkins happy in Las Vegas, the Dolphins had a massive need on the defensive line next to Zach Sieler. They had hoped Tart could rise to the occasion, but something went wrong after a few weeks of camp. Or maybe something went right?!
Perhaps it was the play of young players like Brandon Pili, Leondard Payne Jr., Jonathan Harris, and Da’Shawn Hand that forced the Dolphins’ hand. Maybe a veteran like Neville Gallimore, Benito Jones, or Isaiah Mack has stepped up to the occasion, making Tart expendable.
Heck, maybe Miami has a trade brewing for another defensive lineman. Whatever the case, seeing how the defensive line shakes out over the next few weeks of preseason will be interesting, to say the least! And for a unit that at one point looked like a weakness, that’s all you can ask for as a Dolphins fan.
(Note: For those wondering how Tart’s release could impact the salary cap. Per Spotrac, Miami and Tart agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.29 million. His dead cap hit is $567K.)
How do you feel about the defensive line with the release of veteran defensive tackle Teair Tart? Which of the young players are you happy to see get more snaps as Miami prepares to face the Washington Commanders this Saturday? Do you miss Christian Wilkins? Let us know in the comments section below!
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